BLD2023-1219+ARBORIST REPORT+9.29.2023_1.29.32_PM+3812963RECEIVED BLD2023-1219
Oct 13 2023
CITY OFEArborist Report
DEVELOPMMENTTSERVICES
DEPARTMENT
Tree Protection Plan
654 4th Ave S, Edmonds, WA
Prepared Jay Fulton
For: 654 4th Ave S
Edmonds, WA
(425) 827-4470
0ay.fulton1—amail.com
Prepared Davey Resource Group Inc.
By:
18809 10th Ave NE
Shoreline, WA, 98155
Contact: Ian Scott
Ian.Scott@Davey.Com
Local Office: 206-536-2977
Corporate Office: 800.828.8312
Resource Group
Notice of Disclaimer
0
Assessment data provided by Davey Resource Group is based on visual recording at the time of inspection. Visual records do not
include testing or analysis and do not include aerial or subterranean inspection unless indicated. Davey Resource Group is not
responsible for discovery or identification of hidden or otherwise non -observable risks. Records may not remain accurate after
inspection due to variable deterioration of surveyed material. Risk ratings are based on observable defects and mitigation
recommendations do not reduce potential liability to the owner. Davey Resource Group provides no warranty with respect to the
fitness of the trees for any use or purpose whatsoever.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background
Limits of the Assignment
Methods
Quality Control Procedures
Observations
Analysis
Tree Preservation Priority
Replacement Required
Tree Protection Zone & Timing
Recommendations
Concluding Remarks
Appendix A: Maps
Appendix B: Site Photos
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Introduction
Background
The client contracted Davey Resource Group, Inc. (DRG) to provide an arborist report on the health, size,
and location of the significant trees on the property at 654 4th Ave S, Edmonds, WA as well as identify
tree protection and retention measures. Using a pen tablet computer, a DRG International Society of
Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist (PN-5408BUM) inspected the trees on May 2, 2023. Each tree was
visually assessed and the required tree data was collected within a GIS database.
Within this tree protection plan, pre -construction measures will need to be met before beginning any
construction on the site. Data was collected to identify each tree's dripline and Tree Protection Zone
(TPZ) to better ensure survivability during the project. Based on the City of Edmonds tree ordinance
23.10.070 this protection plan references all major requirements to preserve healthy significant trees.
Limits of the Assignment
There are many factors that can limit specific and accurate data when performing evaluations of trees,
their conditions, and their value. The determinations and recommendations presented here are based on
current data and conditions that existed at the time of the evaluation and cannot be a predictor of the
ultimate outcomes for the trees. A visual inspection was used to develop the findings, conclusions, and
recommendations found in this report. Values were assigned to grade the attributes of the trees, including
structure and canopy health, and to obtain an overall condition rating. No physical inspection of the upper
canopy, sounding, root crown excavation, and resistograph, or other technologies were used in the
evaluation of the trees.
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Methods
A visual inspection was used to develop the findings, conclusions, and recommendations found in this
report. No physical inspection of the upper canopy, sounding, root crown excavation, and resistograph or
other technologies were used in the evaluation of the trees. The results will be used to determine the Tree
Protection Zone (TPZ) and any other tree protection measures required during construction.
The following attributes were collected for each site:
Tree Number: Tree ID number was assigned and a numbered aluminum tag was affixed to the tree. The
condition and DBH of the trees on neighboring parcels were estimated and assigned an identification
number.
Location and Unique ID: An X and Y coordinate was generated for each tree site.
Species: Trees were identified by genus and species, cultivar if evident, and by common name.
Diameter at Breast Height (DBH): Trunk diameter was recorded at breast height as measured at 4.5 feet
from the ground. For trees with multiple leaders at 4.5 feet height, the DBH was the combined cumulative
total of branches greater than 6 inches diameter at four and one-half feet above the average grade
Height: Tree Height estimated to the nearest <5ft.
Avg. Crown Radius: Average dripline distance was measured.
Condition: Condition ratings were based on but not limited to:(1) the condition and environment of the
tree's root crown; (2) the condition of the trunk, including decay, injury, callusing, or presence of fungus
sporophore; (3) the condition of the limbs, including the strength of crotches, amount of deadwood, hollow
areas, and whether there was excessive weight borne by them; (4) the condition and growth rate history
of the twigs, including pest damage and diseases; (5) the leaf appearance, including abnormal size and
density as well as pest and disease damage.
Using an average of the above factors together with the arborist's best judgment, the general condition of
each tree was recorded in one of the following categories adapted from the rating system established by
the International Society of Arboriculture and 10th Edition of the Council of Tree & Landscape Appraisers
(CTLA) Guide for Plant Appraisal' :
• Excellent (81%-100%): High vigor and near -perfect health with little or no twig dieback,
discoloration, or defoliation. Nearly ideal and free of structural defects. Nearly ideal form for the
species and is generally symmetrical.
• Good (61%-80%): Vigor is normal for the species and has no significant damage due to disease
or pests. Twig dieback, discoloration, or defoliation is minor. Well -developed structure with minor
defects that can be corrected easily. Minor asymmetries/deviations from species norm. Function
and aesthetics are not compromised.
• Fair (41%-60%): Reduced vigor. Damage due to insects or diseases may be significant and
associated with defoliation but is not likely to be fatal. Twig dieback, defoliation, discoloration,
and/or dead branches may comprise up to 50% of the canopy. A single structural defect of a
significant nature or multiple moderate defects. Structural defects are not practical to correct or
would require multiple treatments over several years. Major asymmetries/deviations from species
norm. Function and aesthetics are compromised.
• Poor (21 %-40%): Unhealthy and declining in appearance. Poor vigor and low foliage density and
poor foliage color are present. Potentially fatal pest infestation. Extensive twig or branch dieback.
' Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers. (2019). Guide for Plant Appraisal, 10th Edition, Second Printing. Atlanta, GA:
International Society of Arboriculture.
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A single serious structural defect or multiple significant defects. Observed structural problems
cannot be corrected. Failure may occur at any time. Largely asymmetrical or abnormal form.
Form detracts from aesthetics or intended use to a significant degree.
• Very Poor (6%-20%): Poor vigor and appears to be dying. Little live foliage. Single or multiple
severe structural defects. Visually unappealing and provides little or no function in the landscape.
• Dead (0%-5%)
Tree Preservation Priority: In order to capture the priority for preservation of an individual tree as it
relates to planning for development projects, DRG utilized a rating scale of one to four, with one being the
highest priority for protection and four being of least concern. The condition rating of an individual tree is
an important component of the priority rating, but several other variables are factored in: species
desirability, species longevity, species sensitivity to root loss and construction impacts, uniqueness, and
aesthetics both of the tree itself and its relation to the site. It is important to note that these are qualitative
ratings based solely on the site, individual tree, and existing conditions at the time of the inventory.
Proposed development and construction plans are not considered when assigning ratings. The following
criteria constituted the basis of tree placement in a particular category of priority:
• Priority 1: Highest priority for protection (i.e. particularly good condition, unique tree and/or
should be protected at all reasonable cost).
• Priority 2: Good or fair condition tree well worth protecting though not uniquely valuable.
• Priority 3: Poor condition average tree that will not be missed if it were gone, not worth any
special protection measures.
• Priority 4: Trees that should be removed under most or any circumstances (i.e., invasive or
undesirable species, poor condition or critical trees, particularly high -risk situations, etc.).
Additional Inspection Required - Any trees that warrant a secondary inspection beyond the scope of
this inventory.
Notes - Additional comments that warrant recording will also be collected for each inventoried tree.
Quality Control Procedures
Data was collected and verified with the following quality control measures:
• Personnel Training — Quality control procedures ensure quality data. The first step in DRG's
quality control is to provide proper training to qualified individuals. The field personnel on this
project was an ISA Certified Arborist with up-to-date credentials.
• Data Collections Specification — A clear understanding of the data and the methods for
collection and categorization ensure high -quality, standardized collection.
• Quality Control Methods — Quality control of data was completed electronically. Errors were
corrected as they were found.
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Observations
Condition ratings were based on the system established by the International Society of Arboriculture and
10th Edition of the Council of Tree & Landscape Appraisers (CTLA) Guide for Plant Appraisal and the
arborist's best judgment from a visual inspection. Tree condition is important to evaluate because healthy
trees can better withstand environmental stressors. In addition, it is not recommended to try to preserve
trees in poor condition when removal and replacement are better options for the aesthetic value and
health of the tree population as a whole. Trees in poor condition do not always necessitate removal and
for that reason, some poor condition trees can be considered priority 3 and be acceptable for retention.
A total of 7 trees were cataloged on the property. There were no trees with driplines adjacent to the
property.
Table 1. Tree Inventory Table
DBH
Avg Dripline
Height
Canopy
Trunk
Root
Tree ID
Species
(in)
(ft)
(ft)
observations
observations
observations
Condition
Co -dominant top at
Colorado Blue
30ft, Side pruned
23
Spruce
16
11
48
for utilities
Good
Shallow roots
Good
Western Red
24
Cedar
6
6
20
Good
Multi -stemmed
None
Fair
25
Vine Maple
11
8
18
Good
Sprouts
Shallow roots
Good
Previously topped,
Port Orford
sided pruned for
26
Cedar
12
9.5
27
roof clearance
Good
Shallow roots
Fair
Multi -stemmed at
Multi -stemmed at
27
Purple Leaf Plum
7
8.25
18
3ft
3ft
Shallow roots
Fair
28
Norway Maple
35
25
57
Good
Good
Shallow roots
Fair
Port Orford
29
Cedar
11
6
27
Good
Good
Good
Good
Analysis
Successful tree preservation efforts begin in the planning and design phase. In order to select the
appropriate trees for preservation and then incorporate those trees into future development plans, site
managers and designers need detailed information on the health and status of the existing trees. This
report satisfies the conditions of the critical first step in the preservation process: a tree inventory,
assessment, and analysis conducted by a qualified professional. The resulting findings guide the
beginning stages of the preservation process.
Roughly one-half of a tree's biomass is underground in the form of structural and absorptive roots. These
roots take up water and nutrients that trees need to survive, so minimizing the impact to these roots is
crucial to reducing tree stress. Roots can be damaged by even lightweight equipment operating in
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the root zone, an impact that may not be visible until the tree begins to show signs of stress months or
years later. The ability of a tree to survive root removal is dependent on its tolerance of drought, tree
health, and the ability to form new roots quickly. Removal of the larger anchoring roots can lead to
structural instability.Trees that suffer substantial root loss or damage are seldom good candidates for
preservation.Another root impact occurs when materials are improperly stored or disposed of in
the root zone. This can injure tree roots and contaminate the soil. Finally, an obvious impact can occur
when equipment damages trunks and branches.
To avoid these impacts, it is a best management practice to establish fenced tree protection zones to
exclude any grading, trenching, soil compaction, material storage, or mechanical damage. These tree
protection zones are based on calculated critical root zones (CRZs). Any tree that will have major
encroachments into the CRZ should be considered for removal, rather than tree protection.
Tree Preservation Priority
In order to evaluate the priority for the preservation of an individual tree as it relates to planning for
development projects, DRG utilized a rating scale of one to four, with one being the highest priority for
protection and four being of least concern. The condition rating of an individual tree is an important
component of the priority rating, but several other variables are factored in: species desirability, species
longevity, species sensitivity to root loss and construction impacts, uniqueness, and aesthetics both of the
tree itself and its relation to the site. It is important to note that these are qualitative ratings based solely
on the site, individual tree, and existing conditions at the time of the inventory. Proposed development and
construction plans are not considered when assigning ratings At this site, most trees were found suitable
for preservation, only tree #26 had structural issues that indicate it as a poor candidate for tree retention.
Table 2. Tree Preservation Priority
Preservation Priority
Number of Trees
Priority 3
1
Priority 2
5
Priority 1
1
Replacement Required
Tree replacement is required for tree removal associated with the development types identified in ECDC
23.10.060(A). Each significant tree to be removed shall be replaced as follows:
• For each significant tree between six inches and 10 inches DBH removed, one replacement
tree is required.
• For each significant tree between 10.1 inches and 14 inches in DBH removed, two
replacement trees are required.
• For each significant tree greater than 14 inches and less than 24 inches in DBH removed,
three replacement trees are required.
• For each significant tree greater than 24 inches in DBH removed, a fee based on an appraisal of
the tree value by the city tree protection professional using trunk formula method in the current
edition of the Guide for Plant Appraisal shall be required. The appraisal was completed using the
10th Edition of the Council of Tree & Landscape Appraisers (CTLA) Guide for Plant Appraisal
Trunk Formula Technique.
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The client intends to remove 6 out of 7 of the trees on the property. The only tree planned for retention is
tree #28.
Tree ID
Species
DBH (in)
Remove or Retain
Replacement Trees
23
Colorado Blue Spruce
16
Remove
3
24
Western Red Cedar
6
Remove
1
25
Vine Maple
11
Remove
2
26
Port Orford Cedar
12
Remove
2
27
Purple Leaf Plum
7
Remove
1
28
Norway Maple
35
Retain
0
29
Port Orford Cedar
11
Remove
2
Total Replacement Trees Required
11
Replacement tree specification shall include:
• Minimum size for replacement
0 1 '/2 inch DBH for deciduous trees
0 6 ft in height for evergreen trees
• Replacement trees must be planted within the City of Edmonds or its urban growth area
• Replacement trees shall be native species
Tree Protection Zone & Timing
To ensure the long-term viability of trees and stands identified for protection, construction activities shall
comply with the minimum required tree protection through an established Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) for
those trees determined to remain on the site. The following tree protection requirements are provided
from Chapter 23.10.070(C) of Edmonds Municipal Code.
1. Erect and maintain readily visible temporary protective tree fencing along the limits of disturbance
which completely surrounds the protected area of all retained trees, groups of trees, vegetation
and native soil. Tree protective fencing shall be a minimum height of three feet, visible and of
durable construction; orange polyethylene laminar fencing is acceptable.
2. Install highly visible signs spaced no further than 15 feet apart along the entirety of the protective
tree fencing. Said sign must be approved by the director and shall state, at a minimum, "Tree and
Soil Protection Area, Entrance Prohibited," and provide the city phone number for code
enforcement to report violations.
3. Prohibit excavation or compaction of soil or other potentially damaging activities within the
barriers; provided, that the director may allow such activities approved by a qualified professional
and under the supervision of a qualified professional retained and paid for by the applicant.
4. Maintain the protective barriers in place for the duration of the project until the director authorizes
their removal.
5. Ensure that any approved landscaping done in the protected zone subsequent to the removal of
the barriers shall be accomplished with machinery from outside the protected zone or by hand.
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6. Limit the time period that the critical root zone is covered by mulch, plywood, steel plates, or
similar materials, or by light soils, to protect the tree's critical root zone.
In addition to the requirements provided in Edmonds Municipal Code, the following tree protection
measures should be implemented.
• All construction activities are prohibited within TPZ. This includes but is not limited to the storage
of materials, parking, contaminating soil by washing out equipment, (concrete, paint, etc.),
changing soil grade, or damaging overhead branches.
• Any entry or work within the TPZ of retained or impacted trees will need to occur under the direct
supervision of an ISA-certified arborist.
• TPZs shall remain in place for the entirety of the project and only be removed, temporarily or
otherwise, with authorization by an ISA-certified arborist.
Recommendations
Proactive strategies are advisable to sustain and minimize any risk for the trees named in this report.
Based on the findings, the following recommendations are provided:
• Tree ID# 28 is a significant tree based on Edmonds city code 23.10.070 and is intended to be
retained. Ingress into the standard tree protection zone is required to accommodate new
construction and is not anticipated to impact the viability of this tree.
o At a minimum the TPZ barrier for the retained tree #28 shall be installed 25 feet from the
trunk or follow the back of the existing hardscape when the hardscape falls within the
dripline.
o Construction is anticipated to impact into -15% of the northeastern limits of the critical
root zone. The limits of construction will require ingress as close as 20 feet from the
trunk along the northeastern area of the critical root zone. Install tree protection fencing
establishing a TPZ at the tree's dripline or greater where possible per the City
requirements (above) and establish TPZ limits adjacent to construction to minimize
ingress into the CRZ.
o Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch starting at the trunk and extending out through the entire
dripline TPZ for this tree.
o Minimize root damage by hand -excavating a two -foot -deep trench, at the edge of the tree
protection zone, to cleanly sever the roots of trees to be retained. Never rip or shred roots
with heavy equipment.
o Consult a Certified Arborist to periodically monitor tree health and maintenance needs
every 3-5 years or as need dictates.
• Tree ID# 23, 24, 25, 27, and 29 are in good condition and worth protecting but are not uniquely
valuable to the site
• Tree ID# 26 structurally is poor and is not worth any special protection
The recommendations above are aligned with City of Edmonds tree protection ordinances which outline
the trees included in this report. General tree preservation strategies on the property are outlined below.
Pre -Development Tree Care - After individual trees are selected for preservation, the following action
steps are recommended prior to development activities:
• Prune trees, as necessary, to remove existing deadwood and stubs. This strategy controls
potential future vectors of decay. Clean cuts made at branch collars allow the tree to undergo its
natural process of compartmentalizing wounds, preventing the spread of decay. During the
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pruning process, remove as minimal amount of live foliage as possible and no more than 25%
removal in any one season while allowing for the safe and unimpeded operation of construction
activities.
• If the soil within the TPZ is compacted, then aerate the soil using an air spade to alleviate
compaction and promote the flow of oxygen and water to the roots.
Tree Care During Development - Once development begins, several measures are necessary to help
ensure optimal outcomes for all trees selected for preservation:
• Retain a Certified Arborist on site to monitor activities and assess impacts to trees. The arborist
can make as -needed recommendations to improve tree preservation activities throughout the
development process. This is particularly important in order to make a timely response when a
preserved tree is accidentally damaged or otherwise impacted during development.
• Signage instructing site workers not to enter Tree Protection Zones should be posted throughout
the job site. Signage should be posted in both English and Spanish as well as any other language
as deemed necessary by site managers.
• Discuss tree protection and reiterate the importance of respecting the Tree Protection Zone as
critical to the safety of staff working on site and the success of tree preservation efforts.
• Strictly enforce the Tree Protection Zones as "No -Go" zones. No activity, human or machinery,
should breach the established TPZ.
• Root prune where any grading or trenching occurs within the critical root zone.
• Ensure the area within the TPZ receives the weekly watering equivalent to the amount of
average natural rainfall for the specific development site. The on -site Certified Arborist can make
the determination when additional manual watering is necessary.
• Do not raise or lower the soil grade near the TPZ. A tree relies upon small, non -woody roots
called feeder roots for the absorption of water and nutrients. These roots predominantly reside in
the upper several inches of soil, just below grade. Lowering the soil grade, even just a few inches,
will sever these feeder roots and compromise tree health. Raising the soil above the existing
grade, such as through the addition of fill soil, buries feeder roots too deep and restricts feeder
root access to water and oxygen.
Post -Development - A successful tree preservation effort continues well past the conclusion of
development activities:
• The preserved trees should be re -inspected for signs of impact that may have gone undetected
during construction and mitigation measures assigned accordingly.
• The preserved trees should be placed on a seasonal care plan for two years that includes both
monitoring and routine soil inoculation treatments designed to stimulate new root growth.
• Retain a Certified Arborist to periodically monitor tree health and maintenance needs every 3-5
years or as need dictates.Annual monitoring should continue for several years after development.
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Concluding Remarks
This report, along with the tree inventory, is the first step in preserving the health, function, and value of
the trees on the site during and after development. Tree preservation starts with a basic understanding of
the health and structure of the trees on the site. With proper care and protection, these trees can continue
to thrive. The client intends to protect the Norway Maple for preservation and this should be clearly
communicated to contractors, equipment operators, and workers before any land disturbance. The tree
protection guidelines stated throughout this report provide proper tree retention during the construction
phases. The findings in this report establish the condition of the Norway Maple pre -construction and
provide a benchmark reference should tree health concerns emerge post -construction.
The suitability of a tree for preservation is a qualitative process based on the interaction of a variety of
influencing factors. A tree inventory and arborist report provides a snapshot in time of each individual tree
assessed across many of the most important observable factors relative to preservation. Healthy,
vigorous trees better tolerate impacts from construction and more readily adapt to the new site conditions
that exist after the construction. Additionally, tolerance to impact from construction activities varies across
species and sites. The percentage impact on the Critical Root Zone also greatly influences the suitability
of a particular tree for preservation. Exploratory soil excavation and root pruning can be additional
strategies to determine the size and quantity of any roots that may require pruning.
Preconstruction tree maintenance is recommended, including mulch, fertilization, supplemental irrigation
as necessary, and pruning to remove dead, structurally weak, and low -hanging branches. This will
increase the overall condition of the population and will enable the trees to better withstand many
development impacts throughout the project. It is also recommended to conduct a tree inspection during
and immediately following the completion of the construction project to identify any changes in tree health
or risk that may occur. Multiple tree inspections may be required during the construction phase of the
project depending on the length it will take to complete. Any inspections or tree maintenance should be
completed by or under the supervision of an ISA Certified Arborist.
Successful tree preservation requires a team effort to find the right balance and select the appropriate
trees. Using the findings of this report as a guiding foundation, planners are equipped to design, prepare,
and implement a tree preservation plan tailored to achieving the optimal outcome.
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Appendix A: Maps
Site map showing tree ID number and TPZ.
f4.
545 3RD AVERS
Id
i AVE S 554.4TH AV6S
TREE INVENTORY
• Tree Sites - Fulton 654 4th Ave S 654 4th Ave. S 0 10 DAVEYT-,
Avg, Dripline Edmonds, WA a zL Resource Group
PMay 2023 Feet
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'Aerial imagery is from 2021. Imagery is for reference only.
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May 22, 2023
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